Winter is a beautiful time of the year to be outside to enjoy fresh, crisp air - it can also be a time of caution for walker users.

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Winter brings cold, snow and ice - all which cover the surfaces we walk on when outdoors, making walking conditions more dangerous and fall risk greater. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly a million Americans are injured annually falling on ice or snow. Of those, 17,000 of the injuries are fatal. Falls are the leading cause to injury that lead to hospitalization in people over 65. Yet, mobility and navigating the outdoors in the winter months is key to maintaining both physical and mental health. 

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This means that addressing mobility concerns and following safe walker habits in the winter months are crucial for caregivers and walker users. We have put together a list of tips to help walker users stay safe and active this winter.

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Take Your Time! 

Be observant of your surroundings. Watch out for ice, snow, and other obstacles that may be in the way of your walking path. Slippery conditions can also cause your walker to slide out in front of you, take your time and make smart, calculated steps. 

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Wear Appropriate Footwear  

An easy way to help reduce your risk of falling during winter months is to wear footwear that provides you with protection. Be sure to select shoes that have good traction and provide you comfort. If you feel none of your shoes have the best traction, consider investing in a anti-slip shoe grip or an attachment that will provide you with additional traction. 

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Change Your Walking Style

Penguins are pros at walking on icy surfaces and they can teach us a few things about shifting our walking style to improve safety. Walk at a slower pace, a wider gait, and take  smaller steps - all will allow you to concentrate more on your balance, posture, and choosing where your next step will be. 

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Bring Along Your Cell Phone

If you find yourself needing help, you will be glad to have a cellphone with you. Be empowered to use your cellphone to ask for help before it is an emergency or you find yourself in a situation that requires medical help. It is never a burden to ask a loved one for support or help. 

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The winter months present a number of new obstacles to safe mobility. These are just a few simple steps that can support having a safe, enjoyable winter. 

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Another tool that can be used to aid walker safety in winter and throughout the year is our StrideTech Go device. StrideTech Go is an attachment universally compatible with any walker that detects common walker misuses that lead to falls and injury. 

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StrideTech Go can help in winter conditions to remind you to step into your walker and to stand up straight by providing feedback and a blinking light when excessive weight bearing and forward leaning posture is detected. 

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Join the waitlist to purchase StrideTech Go!